Slowly but surely summer is beginning to make its appearance, bringing longer days, and the occasional spell of warmer weather. While it’s tempting to focus all your attention to getting your outdoor space ready; at Shelved we believe with the unpredictable British weather, it’s just as important to see the summertime as an opportunity to refresh your living space. As the season changes, so should your home’s decor to match the light and airy vibe of summer. Here are some tips to get your home summer ready - extend the summer vibes, inside and out.
1. Summery colours
Brighten up your home for summer is by incorporating subtle pastel colours with optional pops of brighter tones. If you’re a lover of neutrals, this can be a little intimidating, but being thoughtful with your choices is a great starting point for making the seasonal transition. Think pinks, blues, greens, yellows, and whites—colours that evoke the sea, sky, and sunshine. You can introduce these colours through accessories like rugs, artwork, and table settings. Even small touches like new kitchen towels or a colourful fruit bowl can make a big difference.
If you want to go all out, consider refreshing your walls for a quick and cost-effective transformation. You don't have to repaint everything—an accent wall muted pastel summery colour can have a significant impact; pale pink, baby blue, or soft mint. You can then pair this with bolder accent, this approach allows you to embrace bold hues without overwhelming your space.
2. Switch out heavy fabrics
As the weather (finally) warms up, it's time to swap out those cosy, chunky knit blankets that kept you warm during the colder months for lighter, airier fabrics – lightweight linen throws are perfect for summer. Next, we recommend switching out heavy drapes for sheer curtains, this one might feel slightly more effort but the effect on your space will be worth it. Sheer curtains soften the sunlight coming into your home making the space feel bright and breezy.
You can also refresh your cushion covers with fabrics like linen, cotton, or seersucker. Choose pastel colours or nautical stripes to give your home a fresh summer look. These simple changes can dramatically transform your space, making it feel light, airy, and ready for the sunny days ahead.
3. Rearrange Furniture
Before purchasing unnecessary new furniture, give your home a fresh look for summer by simply rearranging what you already have! A key point that we have discussed in previous blog posts is to make sure that you have no furniture directly in front of windows. Move any furniture or decor that might be blocking windows to maximise the natural light. To enhance the airy feel, strategically hang mirrors to reflect light and make the room feel more spacious.
Next, we suggest you should take time to think about how you use your space during the warmer months. If you love watching your garden bloom, try moving your sofa to face the windows. This not only gives you a beautiful view but also lets you soak up the sunlight. Alternatively, set up a small seating area on your patio or porch for enjoying morning coffee or evening drinks. Consider creating cosy nooks for relaxation. Move an armchair or two near a window to create a sunny reading spot.
4. Bring the Outdoors In
Summer is all about enjoying the outdoors, so when the weather is so unpredictable, why not bring some of that beauty inside? Bringing the outdoors in is something that we are fairly passionate about, aside from improve air quality and associated health benefits, fresh flowers and indoor plants can instantly liven up any space. If you’re interested to find out more, we have discussed in previous blog posts – here. For a couple of summer ideas, we suggest placing a vase of vibrant flowers on your dining table or adding potted plants to your living room and kitchen.
Incorporate natural elements like wood, rattan, and jute to add texture and warmth to your interior spaces. Consider adding a wicker chair, a wooden coffee table, or a jute rug. These materials evoke a sense of the outdoors and blend with your summer decor. Another simple yet effective idea is to use nature-inspired accessories. Seashells, driftwood, and stone accents can bring a beachy, coastal vibe to your home.
5. Switch to Summer Scents
Fragrance plays a huge role in setting the mood of your home. To truly embrace the summer vibe, swap out those cosy, wintery scents for lighter, fresher options. Consider switching out your candles, reed diffusers, and room sprays to align with the summer theme. A well-placed scented candle or a diffuser in the hallway, living room, or bathroom can have a significant impact.
When it comes to selecting a scent think of fragrances that remind you of a beach holiday or a blooming garden. Infuse your home with citrus scents – the zesty aroma of lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. These scents instantly brighten up your space. To keep on the outdoor theme, bring the smell of a summer garden indoors with floral fragrances, scents like lavender, jasmine, and rose. Or, capture the essence of the sea with ocean-inspired scents – "sea breeze," "ocean mist," or "coastal waters." These fresh and clean scents can make your home feel light and airy.
